IRRRB announces DeCare Dental expansion

DeCare Dental to expand in Gilbert, creating 120 new jobs

May 01, 2012

EVELETH, Minn.— Representative Tom Rukavina, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) Chair, has scheduled a special meeting of the IRRR Board for Friday, May 4, 2012 at the IRRRB Administrative Offices in Eveleth, Minn. at 10 a.m. If the Legislative Board members are still in Session on Friday, May 4, the meeting will be held in Room 300 South of the State Office Building, St. Paul, Minn. and tentatively start at 8:30 a.m.

At the meeting, the IRRR Board will consider a $2 million capital investment in the DeCare Dental facility in Gilbert. The company projects that the expansion will add an additional 120 full-time positions to its existing 158 jobs as its business grows.

Sertich said, “The creation of 120 new jobs is great news today on the Iron Range! We are pleased to continue our relationship with such a strong business partner that has maintained an integral presence in the region for over a decade and continues to create new jobs.”

According to Sertich, he and IRRRB staff members have been in discussions with DeCare officials since last summer. “It is exciting to see this project coming to fruition,” said Sertich. “The economic impact on our region will be significant, due to the scope of the project and the large number of jobs that will be created. DeCare has a demonstrated track record of job growth on the Iron Range.”

The proposed 10,260 square foot expansion would provide space to accommodate 120 additional work stations in the facility, bringing its total capacity to 335 work stations.

DeCare’s presence on the Iron Range dates back to 2000, when the IRRRB purchased and renovated the former IGA building in Gilbert. The IRRRB leases the building for the operation of the customer service center.

DeCare is one of the nation’s leading dental benefit management companies. DeCare’s Gilbert office plays an essential business role: The Gilbert staff provides customer service, claims service, sales support and business renewal services to customers nationwide.